ENGLISH
REFERENCE

receive

v.
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ɹəˈsiv// UK //ɹɪsˈiːv// re·ceive Archaic General-service

v. to get or accept something that someone gives or sends to you. It is a more formal way to say 'get'.

v. to come into possession of; to be given, presented with, or paid something. Transitive — requires a direct object.


SIMPLE

I did not receive your email yesterday.

CONTEXTUAL

The local hospital will receive a large donation from a private business to build a new wing.

COMPLEX

Under the terms of the agreement, the plaintiff is entitled to receive full compensation for any damages incurred during the construction process.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English receyven, from Old French receivre, from Latin recipere (“take back, accept, etc.”), from re- (“back”) + capiō (“to take”); see capacious. Compare conceive, deceive, perceive. Displaced native Middle English terms in -fon/-fangen (e.g. afon, anfon, afangen, underfangen, etc. "to receive" from Old English -fōn), native Middle English thiggen (“to receive”) (from Old English þiċġan), and non-native Middle English aquilen, enquilen (“to receive”) (from Old French aquillir, encueillir).

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. It is often used in formal or professional contexts where 'get' might feel too casual.

Pitfall

I am looking forward to receive your replyI am looking forward to receiving your replyAfter the phrasal verb 'look forward to', the word 'to' is a preposition, so it must be followed by the -ing form of the verb.

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